THE ATOLL | Universal Studio's Waterworld Stunt Show (Complete History)

In this video we dive deep into Waterwold: A Lives Sea War Spectacular! This video includes the present show, complete history, and future of this historical theme park stunt show.
Brought to you by The Atoll, your home for Waterworld fandom.
Follow The Atoll on Instagram: / the_atoll
Behind the scenes of Waterwold: A Lives Sea War Spectacular, the live stunt show at Universal Studios theme park, and explained. Hollywood, Japan, Singapore, Beijing, and Orlando. Based on 1995 action/adventure/sci-fi movie, Waterworld, explained, video essay.

[@closeupwizard]

My friend, Greg Dolph, originated the role of the Deacon. He has played that role for over 20 years! Once, my brother and I visited the show, and Greg (unintentionally) actually hit the Golfball right to us, with my brother catching the ball. The first year, we were told by the Technical Director that Kevin Costner had seen the show with his family, and said he liked the Stunt Show better than the film! You did a great job editing all the footage! - Closeupwizard (Jeff Hensley)

[@TheAtoll]

Aw, what a wonderful story CloseUpWizard! I would have loved to have catch my own golf ball at the show to take home!

[@GrustaniaNicko]

Was it a real golf ball or ping pong ball.

[@theincredibleworldofdrfriday]

@@GrustaniaNicko it is one of those plastic practice golf balls.

[@bikingdervish]

Greg Dolph is a legend! Worked with him a few months ago, he was helping us open the new Waterworld in Beijing

[@rjc358]

I got the amazing opportunity to work as a stunt peformer at WW Singapore if you have any questions feel free to ask I'm so happy people love this show!

[@TheAtoll]

Hello Riley! Wow, I feel so lucky to have received this comment from you! To have preformed in the stunt show would be a true dream job of mine. My initial question would be: which character did you preform as?? Or do the stunt performers rotate thru the different characters (like say you will play Smoker A one week and Smoker B another week)??

[@rjc358]

@@TheAtoll Hey there happy to answer so for one I played the role of lackey a smoker more commonly know as the decons sidekick, for the second question no we don't change roles because each peformer is cast specifically for the role they play an example of this is the mariner he might be cast because he is a world class stand up jet skier, and the smoker who is cast as a waterskier so each role has specific things that suit it. For my role Acting, comedy, diving and swimming were the main ones along with stage combat and previous stunt training, right now Action horizons is casting for the show for china on there website listed there are each role and the required skills, I am so happy to answer your question make sure if you have anymore to ask them!

[@TheAtoll]

Amazing! I love the Lackey! Did you scream in your Australia accent for that role? What was your favorite stunt when preforming that role? Are you thinking of auditioning for the new show in China?

[@rjc358]

@@TheAtoll Hey yeah lackey is an amazing role I didn't use my Australia accent that's a good idea tho. My favorite stunt is the high fall I do after being beaten up by Helen and no I don't think I will audition for the china show because I'm pretty sure that involves learning a language and the show will be in a different language I think and I'm not that good at things like that.

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

I saw this show and I simply loved it!!! I was seated in the spot where the plane is launched and lands directly in front of me, and I was only in the third row!! Scared me yet thrilled me!!!

[@TheAtoll]

Best seat in the house!!!

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

The Atoll also got water buckets thrown at me by a couple of smokers! Got several pictures with them, including my water douser!!

[@austinchu4404]

At my first job, I had an older coworker who worked on the Atoll set of the movie. He'd talk about how completely mind-blowing it was to see all the explosions, action, and special effects up close. He believed it'd be the most epic movie ever made! But as he watched the finished movie, he just felt sad. He said the movie completely failed to capture what the action had felt like in person. Still, he feels incredibly lucky to have experienced Waterworld "properly". I think that's why the live show is such a success. It gives us a bit of what my coworker got to experience on the original Atoll off Hawaii all those years ago.

[@TheAtoll]

Amazing! And I think there's a lot of truth to what your saying here. Thanks for sharing this story!

[@GrustaniaNicko]

Dude, your voice is so calm, and your editing is good. You deserve more subs than this.

[@TheAtoll]

Thanks for the kind words! The Atoll is a slow growth channel with such a niche topic as Waterworld fandom!

[@GrustaniaNicko]

@@TheAtoll KZbin Unsubscribed me and now I’m you’re 700th Subscriber

[@TheAtoll]

@@GrustaniaNicko Thank Dude! That totally sucks that KZbin unsubscribes people sometime, but I am so happy you are back and my 700th sub!

[@mammutbrot9230]

The shows set is really impressive! Looks just like in the movie. And congratulations for 100 subs!

[@TheAtoll]

Thank you! And yes! Finally made it to the 100 sub threshold!

[@lunawenko9324]

I really hope that if Universal Studios UK happens, that they include a new iteration of WaterWorld

[@TheAtoll]

I wasn't aware a Universal Studios UK was in the works! We will have to keep an eye on this!

[@Vexidus]

I've always wanted to see this live show, and because of your extremely detailed overview of it, I feel like I have experienced it in a way! Thank you so much for putting this all together!

[@TheAtoll]

If you have the chance, the show is definitely worth checking out! Who knows how many more years they will keep it going, but I hope Universal never ends Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular!

[@lanceingel6218]

Well done! Grew up in the sfv right around Universal. Been in love with the show since I first saw it in 95. Seen it many many many times throughout the years up to now. It's a must see.

[@TheAtoll]

Its truly the best amusement at Universal Studios Hollywood!!!

[@AspieMediaBobby]

I first saw the show with my dad when I was 12 years old and I`ve loved it ever since!

[@TheAtoll]

Very nice! I love the live show too. If I had one wish, I would want to have all my friends and family gathered watching this spectacular display of stunts!

[@ravenhozh8847]

I remembered my first visit to the stunt show. It was in Singapore when I first visited Sentosa island and discovered Waterworld. Was it 2010, or 2011? My curiosity that made me dragged my family with me to the front gates of Waterworld. At first, I thought it was another ride, but instead, I got a real-life stunt show for the first time. I never really understand about stunt shows much when I was young, didn't understand the jokes. Did not know why Helen was wearing such a revelaing skirt. I was too innocent. But the thrill of jet ski chases and the loud fake gunshots were what kept me watching. It was loud, and a little scary for me, but I wanted more. The effects were amazing when I was trying to cover my ears from the loud noises. And I did feel the heat from the flames and smelled the smoke. The ziplines and massive dives were so cool to watch. I was speechless, but my eyes were hungry. I think I was sitting in the front row by myself. My family didn't want to get wet. I remember getting splashed by a jet ski. I asked for it and I wasn't disappointed. Maybe the actor felt pity that I was all alone in the splash zone and he obliged. It wasn't that crowded, but the cast played their best for us. The sea plane sequence was so new to me, I did not expect the plane to come over the wall. I was staring up in the air believing that there was a plane above us. And that big finale with the Deacon on fire was amazing and scary, along with that final dive, as well as the great escape. It was so convincing that I wanted to actually run out for safety. After that I wanted to watch it again. But my mom wanted to go on another ride. So with a sad boy's heart I left the place, giving one last look at the front gates of Waterworld. I never went back in there again. I was that immersed. It was then I decided to watch the movie for myself. And then years later I found this channel. Oh and yes, the tomato plant was there as well, in the left corner of the stage. The actor was moving about and behind him was the plant. I wouldn't have noticed it if he didn't walked over there to pick up a bucket to throw water at us.

[@TheAtoll]

Hello Raven! Wow what a wonderful story, thank you so much for sharing your memories of the Singapore live stunt show. I would absolutely love to visit Singapore someday. And how about that, you are the first person to confirm that their is also a tomato plant I that stadium as well!

[@graymccarty9800]

Hey man, huge fan of the show here, but not so much the movie, but man did you ever do it justice. Well done.

[@TheAtoll]

100% get that, and respect your opinion! The live show is such a unique experience and that is why it has endured all these years! A week or two ago I posted some new concept art of the Waterworld themed section of Beijing's upcoming Universal Studios on my Instagram. Hope I can fly out there someday and see it for myself!

[@tardiscommand1812]

That must be the closest ride to exactly match a movie….ever! I’m currently gathering tons of Atoll reference images for the figure scaled Atoll I’m making and I have to look quite close at some cause sometimes it’s hard to tell it’s not the movie. What a spot on job they did. The weathering, the metal work, even those cool tires as bumpers. Being in Canada I won’t be able to make it down there but this video sure helps!

[@TheAtoll]

Yeah, the stunt show has such cool long legacy! I still sometimes can't even believe that in four location of Earth, Waterworld happen live nearly everyday of the year! Truly epic.

[@REAVERZINEadam]

A+ I always enjoy seeing others love Waterworld as much as I do. I have the comics, boardgame, novel, making of book, some toys, and of course DVDs/Blurays. Keep up the great video production love it!

[@TheAtoll]

Hey Adam, it make me so happy to hear about your collection, and to know that other people see the fun and fascination in collecting Waterworld! I hope to do some more collecting videos over the next year, so stay tuned! Thanks for supporting the channel my friend!

[@seeyouatthemovies2561]

Awesome, really interesting insights about all aspects of the show. Great picture from you with the crew at the end, really cool and I am sure this is a very special memory/ souvenir for you too!

[@TheAtoll]

Yes, it certainly was! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@BluckersVideosandToys]

That was pretty epic. U almost to 100 subs!

[@TheAtoll]

Almost there buddy!

[@MarcelosToyRoom]

That's a lot of info my brother :D you went all the way out there? Thank you for that sweet review my friend :D

[@TheAtoll]

From New Hampshire to California on solo mission to see the show for myself! Also camped in Joshua Tree National Park for a few nights and skateboarded in LA while out there! Thanks for watching bud!!!

[@1995Batman]

Another great video. Don't know if I'll ever get the chance to see one of these in person so thanks for guiding me through the experience.

[@TheAtoll]

Thanks Batman! The show is totally worth checking out if you're in LA (or one of the other three cities home to the show). It's by far the most exciting attraction at Universal Studios!

[@boytheearthtalksto]

Love your videos! I remember waiting all summer of '95 for Waterworld when I was a kid, videotaping all the Extra and Entertainment Tonight promotional snippets and Kevin Costner interviews leading up to its premiere.

[@TheAtoll]

Thank you! I love this comment! I remember also obsessively scrapbooking any articles I found on the film as a kid. That's how it was as a child of the 90s! It's great to hear these stories, I really feel like the channel is starting to find its community!

[@DonJoeBob]

I've never been and likely never will, too far away and no plans to vacation out there (live in Kentucky). But having seen a few videos of the show, this breakdown is best one out there to bring more perspective to this awesome show.

[@TheAtoll]

Yeah, it's a really fantastic show to see in person. To see people perform those dives and to feel the heat of the explosions, it's a really unique experience and it's no wonder that the show has had such a lasting legacy!

[@6laughingboy]

That was awesome! Brought back so many memories of watching that show growing up and seeing it evolve. Absolutely killer job on the video!!!

[@TheAtoll]

Thanks for checking out the video! Yeah, I am so curious to see how the show will continue to evolve as it reaches its 30 year anniversary. I will have to do a follow up video someday!

[@tardiscommand1812]

If one were to wear a rolled up sleeve,white suit jacket to the Waterworld show, be like you’re a living Easter egg for the ride.

[@TheAtoll]

Hmm, sorry, I don't understand the reference.

[@tardiscommand1812]

@@TheAtoll it used to be the Miami Vice show and Don Johnson used to wear a rolled up white jacket in the tv series. Super ridiculous look, but back then that was the coolest.

[@TheAtoll]

@@tardiscommand1812 Aw yes! I see what you mean now!

[@bikingdervish]

Thank you for making this video!! Such an incredible history I didn’t know. And a lot of the footage is incredible! I performed the Mariner for 1 year in Japan and am currently part of the cast for the new Waterworld in Beijing! It’s going to be EPIC!! Our soft opening is tomorrow! Thanks for making this! I’ll be showing this to my team!

[@TheAtoll]

Wow! This comment totally made my day! I am really honored you reached out. And I'm so glad to hear the show is getting ready to open in Beijing, haha, I guess it's time to make a follow up video! Good luck with the soft open. You absolutely have my dream job, haha! I hope to make it to China to see the show in person in the next few years!

[@bikingdervish]

@@TheAtoll China is pretty hard to get into, Japan is easier, and personally I think Japan is more user friendly. Either or though! Singapore also has the show but right now the show isn't operating due to Singapore's strict lockdowns. Also, I've heard rumors of a new Universal park in Orlando and they are thinking of putting a Waterworld show there! This is a dream job for me as well, especially to be opening Beijing. I loved the movie as a kid so to be it as an adult! It's rad!

[@TheAtoll]

Ohh, rumors of a Waterworld show in Orlando! I like to hear that! It would be great to have the show over here on the East coast!

[@jeffjansen9]

Very cool!!!

[@TheAtoll]

Such a fun video to put togeather! Thanks for watching!

[@johnn3542]

Got lucky and saw the show in 1997. My mom won tickets to California for a live taping if the TV show "the nanny". Dud universal studios, and went down to mexico.

[@TheAtoll]

That's so cool! What a fun memory! And you know what's crazy, the stunt show is still going to this day and still closely resembles the show you saw 26 years ago!

[@Patrone68]

This is such a good live show! Right up there with the live hot wheels show. I'm glad you got to see it live!

[@TheAtoll]

Me too! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Patrone68]

@@TheAtoll Honestly I was sort of surprised it was still running. I guess it would be too big a pain to try and dismantle and repurpose the arena.

[@Revolzer]

Fun fact!: did you know that In the last scene where deacon falls,a guy dress up exactly like him but I’m a fire proof suit and the original deacon actor would hide backstage and voice over the stuntman!

[@TheAtoll]

Aw yes, I talk a bit about this at 20:00 but forgot to mention that the Deacon's actor continues to voice the character from behind stage. Thanks for mentioning this Revolzer!

[@Revolzer]

@@TheAtollit sure is fascinating..

[@Flimshots984]

SMOKERS IN A DISTANCE!!

[@TheAtoll]

As the Atoller looks out upon The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[@GrustaniaNicko]

They should build a fake sky background to block the Harry Potter since the castle ruins the fact that we are in a world with only water

[@tardiscommand1812]

I hope that the actor who got injured back in January, is doing well. Scary time eh

[@a.k.aorangepenguin5032]

even the strongest of Waterword haters out there can agree the stunt show is good

[@TheAtoll]

100%!!!

[@JOSH-lw2jv]

My two favorite KZbin videos of the *"WaterWorld: Stunt Show"* are: *[HD] New! Updated WaterWorld Show 2014 Universal Studios Hollywood* by Attraction 360 (highlight is at 12:06-12:31) and *WaterWorld (Full Show) - Universal Studios Singapore* by InsideUniversal (highlight is at 5:30-5:47)

[@TheAtoll]

Indeed, there is no shortage of great footage of the show here on KZbin!

[@cowmissing]

Nice video.

[@TheAtoll]

Thank you! And thank you for all your contributions to preserving the history of theme park attractions!

[@cowmissing]

@@TheAtoll Thank you, we do our best.

[@MFP0666]

"An attack is inimit?"

[@TheAtoll]

Thank you for the correction. "Imminent" is what I meant to say. I am sorry for the incorrect pronunciation of the word. For me, recording the voice over is by far the hardest stage of creating these videos, but over the years I do believe I have improved with practice. Let me know if you find any other mistakes, it definitely helps for me to be aware of these things!

[@glennboyd939]

Why shrink it onto a tiny screen you can't watch?

[@sanyonazyin6063]

If there is a new Waterworld I hope that there will be some small outposts on cliffs, like the hut on the cliss in the concept art at 10:55. www.artstation.com/artwork/xYOd4

[@TheAtoll]

Completely agree! I love the aesthetic of thatched roof architecture!

[@jonathanwright8025]

15:59 - wasn't expecting that, but I liked it! Are those regular actresses at the park, or did they hire exotic dancers?

[@TheAtoll]

I believe they are the regular actresses!

[@jonathanwright8025]

@@TheAtoll are you ever going to do a video on the comics and trading cards?

[@TheAtoll]

@@jonathanwright8025 Yeah! My plan presently is to a video combining the pog series and trading cards into a single video, and doing the comics in a re-cap/review style video.

[@jonathanwright8025]

@@TheAtoll Funny thing - I originally commented with the link to Trade Card Database with pics of the cards, but YT deleted it. I guess that's because they considered the pics pirated - or should I say, smokered!

[@TheAtoll]

@@jonathanwright8025 Aw yes, YT loves deleting any links in comments. Very rare those get by. But I totally know the website you're referring too, and have used to it many times when I don't feel like taking my own cards down off the shelf. And "Smokered" should be added to the dictionary!

[@spideylover4105]

1:14 wtf did something happen to your camera bro 😅

[@TheAtoll]

Idk, shooting into the sun because of the time of day I was attending the show most likely.

[@BilltheFifth]

I was with you until 24 minutes when you had to go woke on us. 😂

[@TheAtoll]

Sorry bro, I got stay true to the things I believe in.